Making Scroll Saw Sea Shells

[@bernardmcmahon7434]

Amazing, one of those must try projects. You explained it very clearly. Thanks for sharing.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that you enjoyed the show Bernard. Thanks for tuning in and good luck on your project.

[@babaloo55555]

Always appreciate your videos, sir. Not only are you an outstanding craftsman, but your ability to explain-in crystal-clear terms-each portion of this project marks you as an extraordinary teacher as well. Like, I could see your thoughtfulness shine through at around minute 13, because you explained how to glue together the first four double-sections, and then maybe you thought about someone gluing them together in that literal order and how that might not be the best way to do it. So you added an explanation that one should probably glue sections 1 and 2 together at the same time as 3 and 4, and then those pairs together, as that might be better. It's those little thoughtful things that are so vital to curtailing student frustration in projects like this. I applaud you, sir.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Thank you for the kind words Colin. I try to provide a show that is both entertaining and educational for all levels of woodworking and craftsmanship and while not every show can please every viewer, my hope is that at least ONE person can benefit from my production style and teaching methods. There are plenty of folks that criticize me for the amount of talking I do in a show but that is just how I teach and I've always said, that as long as one person benefits from it, then it was worth producing. There is a reason, that after 10 years of producing this show that I only have (just under) 60,000 subscribers. It's because I don't go after subscribers. I don't push the channel and do the trendy style videos of "look what I made" in some trendy fast motion filming style. I don't do shorts. I don't do tic tock. I don't try to be the channel that everyone needs to be a part of or the channel that is trending. I don't try to be an "influencer". I just try to produce a show that teaches something and helps those who want to make items out of wood and be proud of what they make. If you want trendy, there are a million channels for that. If you want to actually learn something.....well then I'll be here waiting for you. Thank you for tuning in this week and for taking the time to leave your comments and kind words. It's good folks like yourself that make this channel worth every bit of the work it takes to produce it.

[@barry.w.christie]

Never seen this particular technique before, quite ingenious .... you could introduce a twist into the shell by slightly rotating each piece as you glue them together ... fantastic looking result 👍

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

You could definitely do that Barry. Experiment and have fun with it. Different angles, different species, a twist in the shell.....the possibilities are endless. Thanks for tuning in and for chiming in with your idea.

[@trethtower]

Great explanation of the process. I've known about these shells for a long time but always found it confusing. Now I'll try my hand at it. Thanks for the vid.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I hope you do try it Robert and I also hope that my show has made it more accessible for you to make one. Thanks for tuning in and for chiming in with your comment. It's appreciated.

[@09mrdon]

Fantastic work! Thanks for such a clear demonstration.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

You're very welcome. I'm glad that you liked it. Thanks for tuning in.

[@joelshults6874]

I've seen pictures of these before and always thought they would be much more difficult to make. Your video makes it look like something I might be able to do. Thanks for another great video!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I hope you give this a try Joel. Thanks for tuning in.

[@Steve.Garrison]

Nice job making the wood shell and video. A few wood shell tips I've learned from experience: 1. When the wall thickness starts getting too thick you can trim the excess from the interior side on the scroll saw (or bandsaw) at the same bevel angle while they are still individual segments. Much less work and dust sawing it out than grinding. Trace this cut onto the next segment as well. 2. Put pencil marks on the joint surfaces before flattening them, when all of the marks are gone it's flat. Apply even pressure while sanding so the thinner edges don't wear down faster than the mid-section. A piece of 1/4" plate glass or a piece of countertop granite is much flatter than your mdf. It's not really a big issue with smaller shells though. 3. When you're copying somebody else's work you should mention that in the beginning. A link would be nice too.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Thanks for chiming in with your advice on making the shells Steve. It is good information that folks will find valuable I'm sure. Your 3rd piece of advice is what I found a little confusing. I learned how to make these shells from a scroll saw magazine from years ago. There is no link to post. Every idea that comes out on the internet, even if someone thinks of it themselves, has most likely been done by someone else along the way and when I can, I give credit to the folks that gave me the idea in the first place but as for the shells.....it came from a magazine. Thanks for tuning in.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

@Steve Garrison Well I'll be darned. I just went out to my shop and checked the magazine that I got the original idea from and wouldn't you know it that YOU are the author of the article in the magazine. The magazine is from 2012 and I don't see any link information there in the magazine. Please feel free to send me some links to [e-mail] and I would be more than happy to add the links and give credit where credit is due. I'm glad that you contacted me. Looking forward to hearing from you.

[@Steve.Garrison]

@@acutabove_woodworkings thanks for the responses. Glad we got to chat. 👍

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

@@Steve.Garrison Links have been added. Thanks for supplying them.

[@Steve.Garrison]

@@acutabove_woodworkings Thank you. Keep up the good work.

[@randyrockwell6136]

Sanding is so soothing! Neat project for some Scrollsaw practice. I would have to put a strip of tape on the bench with numbers to keep everything in proper order 🥰🤠

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Nothing wrong with using a piece of tape to keep things organized Randy. Whatever works for you. I hope you make one of these. Thanks for tuning in to the show this week.

[@troycogan1030]

Hi Ken, love the content on scroll saw projects. I’ve just recently purchased a saw and look forward to attempting some of your videos. Cheers Troy 🇳🇿

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that you like the projects Troy. Good luck with your new saw. It takes practice to get good at the scroll saw so be patient and have fun. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions along the way. Thanks for tuning in.

[@unjje]

Nice job! I always wondered how they were made now I know maybe have to try one

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I hope you do try one. They aren't hard to do and it's always a mystery as to what they are going to look like. Tilt of the table, sanding and grain patterns can really change these things up and provide some spectacular results. Good luck on your project and thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@kenmuggli4613]

I really enjoy your show.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad to hear it Ken. Thanks for tuning in. It's very much appreciated.

[@wiseoldfool]

That looks absolutely amazing, Kenny. I'm going to to have to give it a go.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I hope you do give it a go Barry. Good luck on your project and thanks for tuning in.

[@paulsmessyworkshop]

Kenny, I have seen pictures of these and always wondered how they were done, now I know. Really nice project but definitely not aimed at a person that doesn’t like to sand…lol. Thanks for sharing.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Of all the things to do in the shop, my wife HATES sanding the most so she will never be making one of these. LOL. Definitely not for someone who doesn't like sanding. Thanks for tuning in this week Paul.

[@KENMCCRORIE]

That is neato! The popular really looks like a real shell. The sanding is like making a vase or a bowl. A lot of it lol. It turned out great.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Definitely very similar to making a vase or bowl Ken. Lots of sanding but the end results are worth the work. They are pretty cool looking items. Thanks for tuning in this week.

[@dmaschy599]

Good show i enjoy this sort of work.I've seen some of your more complicated sea shells.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

This is the only shell that I have made on any social platform. You are probably thinking of Steve Garrison who is the original designer of this shell and many others like it. Thanks for tuning in.

[@markduggan3451]

Great project, especially for my cousin Susan, who lives by the seaside.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Sounds like you need to make her some Mark. Maybe make several of different sizes. LOL. Good luck on your project and thanks for tuning in.

[@albertdawson6814]

Such a very cool idea. Thank you for sharing. I hope I see more of your videos. Be good

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I'm glad that you enjoyed the show Albert. Good luck on your project and thanks for tuning in

[@johnneedham4833]

This is simply fantastic and I can’t wait to try it. I think slightly bigger shells might sell well in craft markets so perhaps you’ve tried bigger ones before coming up with the given dimensions? Can you help with a formula for making the shells bigger by chance. Many thanks

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

There really is no formula. It all depends on the size of your first cut. A smaller arc for the first cut will produce a smaller shell and a larger cut for the first arc will product a larger shell. I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@yingchen3768]

Fantastic. Your advice is so useful.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I'm glad that you found the show to be useful. Thanks for tuning in and for the kind words.

[@williambuckley1185]

great one Kenny, Loved it.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that you liked it William. Thanks for tuning in this week.

[@GeriatricWoodturner]

Thanks. Very interesting.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that you liked it. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@stephenclingerman4865]

Another great project! Thanks!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that you liked it Steve. Thanks for tuning in this week.

[@markdiulio2245]

Looks good great idea

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that you liked it Mark. Thanks for tuning in.

[@alanwasserman8176]

Great job Ken, so you were saying if the table tilts to the left go clockwise if tilts right go counter clockwise if I understood what you were saying the shape depends on the table, thanks Ken

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Depending on which way your table (or blade) tilts and which direction you cut you shape in will determine the final outcome of you pieces. If your table is tilted to the right and you cut your piece, following your pattern clockwise, the wider part of your piece will be on the bottom. But using the same settings and cutting your piece counter-clockwise will cause it to be wider on the top. So depending on the shape that you are after, you need to consider which direction to cut your pieces in, depending on which way your table (or blade) is tilted. I hope this makes sense. Thanks for tuning in.

[@alanwasserman8176]

Thanks Ken still a bit confused I will have to run a few test peices

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

@@alanwasserman8176 Try two test pieces. One cutting clockwise and one counter-clockwise and you will see what I mean. (I hope)

[@VictorManuelAmigoAbad]

Woooooooow!!! What a wonderful project. And as always, clear, precise and detailed. What a good channel you have, and how happy I am to be subscribed to it. Congratulations again, and thanks for inspiring me and giving me wonderful ideas to do in my workshop. This video, it goes to my projects folder. Thanks Ken!!! 👍👏🤜🤛

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that you liked the show Victor. Thanks for tuning in this week and for taking the time to leave the kind words. Good luck on your project.

[@Paul.Douglas]

That is so freakin' amazing!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that you liked it. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@JimE6243]

Great looking project! JimE

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that you liked it Jim. Thanks for tuning in.

[@Craftsbymonojit]

Omg this is awesome 🤩

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that you liked it. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@vinceb9310]

Nice Job

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I'm glad that you liked it Vince. Thank you for tuning in to the show.

[@jimpalmer1944]

Kenny, you continue to impress. Where do you come up with these ideas? I am waiting for you to get a CNC for woodworking projects.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

At some point in time, I would love to get a small CNC for the shop Jim. Unfortunately, space in my shop is at a premium now and I have no idea where I would put a machine like that. Hopefully I will figure it out soon. Thanks for tuning in and for the kind words on the show.

[@sohardtogetagoodname]

Great work Ken. I made a couple of those few years ago mine didn't turn as nice as yours tho lol.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I hope that you will revisit this project Todd and give it another chance. You never know.....maybe third time is the charm. Thanks for tuning in this week and taking the time to chime in with your comment.

[@sohardtogetagoodname]

I would say I will sometime but things get a bit crazy at times I been wanting to try other things steve does but just can't get the time lately

[@michaelmarchione3408]

Beautiful! Poplar is one of my favorite woods. I try to use it whenever I can. I would just love to try this, but I don't have a band saw. Is there another way to cut the wedges? Maybe a Gentlemen's saw? I do have one of those. The rings on the shell are visually just awesome! Another great show! Take care!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

There is always another method Michael. Heck, you could even cut the wedge with a hand saw. It doesn't have to be perfect and even if the hand saw goes a little off, you could always sand or use a block plane to get the surface flat so that the individual sections have a flat surface for the glue up. Give it a try. I'd love to see what you come up with. Thanks for tuning in this week.

[@hassanhammoud3856]

great job and genius idea.. i have a question.. after u cut the forth piece u marked on the first wedge (number 1) to get the fifth piece.. is that right or u should mark on third wedge then on the second... etc..?

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

You will place your 4th piece on the wedge #1 to get the fifth piece Hassan. Exactly as I show in the video. I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in.

[@glennryzebol4472]

That is really cool!! That power carver is also pretty cool. Where might i find something like that. My wife is the one that likes to do some carving and that would make a great birthday present for her. I might use it once in a while too :)

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

The carver is the Foredom power carver Glenn and I will start off by saying that it isn't cheap. I got mine at Lee Valley. You can find it here. www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/power-tools/rotary-tools/65681-foredom-sr-power-carver-kit?item=78J0260 I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in and for the kind words on the project.

[@bigsparky65]

How do you decide on what size blade to use. Beautiful sea shell

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

The blade size is determined by the thickness and hardness of the stock. You can go by generic rules of thumb but after a while, personal experience just dictates which blade you will choose. I do have a show on scroll saw blade selection and you can find it here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3iZhGiqpt1pmKs I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in.

[@meawayfromhome]

Hi Kenny, good show, luckily it was a sea shell! how long would it have taken if it was a snail shell 🤣🤣

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

If you take the sea shell, and put it in hot water and then directly in the clothes dryer on high setting for an hour, you will end up with a snail shell. LOL. Thanks for tuning in Philip.

[@gregcorrell396]

You used a specific circle to start. Is that essential or can you use different sizes to vary size of shell?

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

You can use whatever size you want to start. As you stated, it will vary the size of the shells. Thanks for tuning in and for chiming in with your comment.

[@peregrine1970]

Need to get some guy named Sam to sand the scroll saw sea shells. Sam sands scroll saw sea shells.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I think you just hurt my brain. LOL. Thanks for tuning in and for the chuckle.

[@drail80s]

Wow, First Again. This looks interesting,

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that you liked it. Thanks for tuning in this week and for being the first to comment.

[@Jeff-gt2xu]

Why wouldn't you use the piece that was cut out, with the larger diameter side, as what is traced?

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

You could if you wanted to Jeff but you want the next lines to be as close to the previous piece of shell as you can get it. Tracing to the object that you are trying to mate to makes for a little less sanding. I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in.

[@albertdawson6814]

Am I thinking correctly? You used 2 pieces of 2×4×7. Am I correct?

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I used one piece of 2X4X7 and then cut my wedges from that one piece to get 2 wedges. I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@albertdawson6814]

@@acutabove_woodworkings so you get two wedges from one piece of 2×4×7

[@waskito3443]

I've never seen anything like this

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Well I hope you enjoyed it and I hope that you are going to try it for yourself. It's a really fun project. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@patrickirwin3230]

They make scroll saw blades small company please look them up online

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

That makes a little more sense that they are scroll saw blades. Thanks for the information.

[@ape337YT]

Im back😂

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad to have you back. Thanks for tuning in.

[@sanfranatic1]

Aww what the hell man! I just started trying to figure out how to cut some 2D letters and stuff and now I find out there's people out there living in a whole other dimension? 🤷🤦

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

You've got this Craig. Nothing wrong with challenging yourself. Give this a try. It's easier than you think. Thanks for tuning in and good luck on your project.